Iconic jeans manufacturer Levi’s is making its debut in the Puerto Rico market with the opening of its first two outlet stores, at the Route 66 Outlet Mall in Canóvanas and Prime Outlets in Barceloneta.
Although company officials refrained from providing details about their entrance into the local retail market — size of the stores, job creation and investment — on its Web site, Levi’s has posted several job openings, seeking an area manager, sales supervisors and store managers. Included in the job description for area manager — up since Monday — is the responsibility of overseeing “six or less” stores on the island.
Justin A. Tirri, executive vice president of The Outlet 66 mall, confirmed Friday that the 3,500 square-foot Levi’s location is scheduled to begin operating in January. Furthermore, he said that after Liz Claiborne leaves the mall in January, three new tenants will move into the space — Aeropostale, Puma and Gymboree.
Since its birth in 1873, the Levi’s brand has epitomized classic American style. According to the company, which has presence in more than 110 countries, its jeans “have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world.
This is the second stateside retailer to announce growth plans that include the island. Earlier this week, casual footwear maker Crocs officially introduced its two new stores in Plaza Las Américas in Hato Rey and Plaza Carolina, in that town. The stores are creating a combined 40 new jobs.
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
“This project not only represents a significant investment in our island’s tourism infrastructure, but also symbolizes Puerto Rico’s ability to attract and execute large-scale projects.
The Investment Portfolio Program, with a budget of $800 million, plays a crucial role in offering loans with favorable terms for the development of projects that have the potential to transform the Puerto Rican economy.”
— Puerto Rico Housing Secretary William Rodríguez regarding the construction of a $77 million dual-branded hotel project in San Juan’s Convention Center District, featuring Hilton’s Hampton and Homewood Suites.
The project by PRISA Group includes a 400-vehicle parking structure and a 175,000-square-foot hotel tower, financed by Banco Popular and a $10 million federal disaster recovery loan from the Economic Development Investment Portfolio Program managed by the Department of Housing.
Levi's operated an outlet store at what was known as Belz Factory Outlet, now Route 66 Outlets in Canovanas until late 2009, when it was closed.
This looks like a re-entry rather than a debut.